Quick Tips on filing the VA Notice of Disagreement (NOD).

If I have heard it once, I've heard it a million times....a Vet tells me that they have a deadline to file their Notice of Disagreement, but has no idea where to start.

Many Veterans, exhausted by the idea of writing another appeal that the VA won't adjudicate, just give up, and leave a lot of money and benefits on the table.

I'd like to give you some Quick Tips - and some powerful tools in my books and videos - that will help make filing your appeal not only a little easier....but may help you get your VA claim out of the Hamster Wheel a little faster.

Let's Start Here - What is the Notice of Disagreement?

When a Veteran files a claim for disability compensation (and most other veterans benefits), he or she stands a pretty good chance of being denied the FIRST time around.

The purpose of the NOD is for a Veteran tell the VA that he or she disagrees with the Ratings Decision on the Veteran's claim for disability benefits or other compensation.

Here is the statutory definition of a NOD, from 38 C.F.R. § 20.201:

"A written communication from a claimant or his or her representative expressing dissatisfaction or disagreement with an adjudicative determination by the agency of original jurisdiction and a desire to contest the result will constitute a Notice of Disagreement. While special wording is not required, the Notice of Disagreement must be in terms which can be reasonably construed as disagreement with that determination and a desire for appellate review. If the agency of original jurisdiction gave notice that adjudicative determinations were made on several issues at the same time, the specific determinations with which the claimant disagrees must be identified. For example, if service connection was denied for two disabilities and the claimant wishes to appeal the denial of service connection with respect to only one of the disabilities, the Notice of Disagreement must make that clear."

Here are the Different Forms you can Use for a Notice of Disagreement.

Here's the form that I use instead of VA Form 21-4138.

Though the Notice of Disagreement (NOD) can be filed on any form - at least until December 31, 2013 - it is most commonly filed on the VA Form 21-4138.

It is worth noting that the VA is pushing - HARD - to have NODs filed using their new "form" - VA Form 21-0958. Read my thoughts on this form here. We use the new form - begrudgingly - but are careful to explain every disputable question by using a continuation sheet attached to the new form. Word of caution: some ROs will reject a NOD if it is not filed on VA Form 21-0958.

I have seen some VA Regional Offices (VAROs) accept a NOD written on the back of an envelope, and I have seen other VA Regional Offices (VARO) refuse to accept a NOD unless it is written on VA Form 21-4138 or VA Form 21-0958.

Here's the BASIC Information That Should be in a NOD.

1) the Veteran needs to let the VA know that he disagrees with the decision of the VA Regional Office, and

2) the Veteran needs to know that he intends to appeal the decision.

I have found it helpful for the Veteran to identify what part(s) of the Ratings Decision he or she disagrees with and why, as a more thorough and well written NOD can affect the outcome of the DRO Conference.

[…] perfecting an appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). is for the Veteran to submit a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) with the VA Regional Office’s Ratings Decision. When the VA Regional Office receives the […]

I am in the process of writting a NOD on my denial claim. Do you have sample copy of a NOD that I can use for my case on sleep apnea, respiratory, muscle and joint pains. Any help will be appreated. Thanks in advance.

Also, one should wait to lock in a percentage rating. If you haven’t had a rating and been paid for that rating and file an NOD your next rating by the RO may be lower with the effective date being adjusted and you may lose the money they owe you

Oswaldo – I’m a firm believer that the condition “is what it is” at any given time. So when we file our NODs, we “prove up” the level of impairment that exists at the time of the NOD…later, when they try to reduce it below that level – or assign what is called a “staged rating” (i.e., guessing what the rating used to be in the past) we have a built in argument that they erred.

Thanks for sharing your input – you’ve been around the block a time or two with the VA, I can tell!

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